Phoenix is going out to lunch with Maya, like theyâve done hundreds of times before. Athena teases them about it, having heard the affection in one or both of their voices. They realize they have another Pearl on their hands, but worse since this one has evidence. :p
This is small and the first time Iâve tried writing anything for Ace Attorney, but hopefully somewhat fits the bill!
âCome on, Nick, burgers in celebration!â Maya called across the office.
Phoenix glanced up from his desk, quickly trying to pull together a mess of files. âHang on, Maya, let me finish putting this all way.
Before my desk becomes paper,â he added in a mutter.
âHey boss, I can clear that up,â Athena piped up.
âOh Athena, I donât want to put this mess on youâŠâ
Athena privately rolled her eyes. Anyone could hear the hope in that voice. âItâs no problem. Iâll get it done tout suite! And, you lovebirds can go enjoy yourselves.â
âWhat?? Weâre not,â Phoenix spluttered and the file dropped from his hand opening to scatter yet more papers.
Maya froze mid-way through putting on a coat with a cough.
âItâs just a celebratory lunch,â Phoenix said a little more calmly.
It wasnât enough. Nerves, joy, eagerness, Athena could hear it clear as a bell. For a man who got by on bluffing half the time he wasnât exactly good at hiding. She tried to put on a solemn look but a large smile was plastered across Widget.
âOf course. You go enjoy your completely celebratory-only burger that means nothing.â
Phoenix waved a hand across the disastrous desk. âAll yours.â He hurried away to join Maya and she just caught the flash of warm smiles between them.
Before they left Phoenix looked over his shoulder, âCan you water Charlie before you go too?â
âJa ja! Have fuu-uun!â
Seated at a small booth Maya was already well into her large burger. However, Phoenix had hardly touched his.
Maya quickly swallowed. âSomething wrong? I thought the trial went really well! Better than usual. You didnât even get hit with anything!â
âThanks for that, Maya.â Itâs not like it happens every time. Donât think of whipsâŠor coffeeâŠor birds⊠ugh.
Phoenix took a bite then added. âIâm fine, but no one can match your speed.â Seriously, where did she store it all? One day heâd figure it out.
No, he was hungry, just distracted. Athena was a great asset: smart, determined, tough. He was glad to have her on board. That mood matrix and her ability to read emotions were invaluable.
Until it seemed to have become a double edged sword against them.
When had she become Pearls 2.0?